GAA warns of match cancellations as referee shortage and abuse crisis worsens

County boards across Ireland warn that rising abuse and declining referee numbers risk widespread fixture disruption unless clubs urgently step up

In Tyrone, competitions control committee (CCC) chairman Raymond Monteith echoed fears expressed in Mayo earlier this year that games could be called off due to a lack of referees. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Game postponements because of a shortage of referees are coming sharper into focus as county boards report a widespread lack of match officials.

Following concerns raised about abuse of and a dearth of referees in Wexford, Kilkenny and Limerick earlier this week, other counties are experiencing similar difficulties.

In Tyrone, competitions control committee (CCC) chairman Raymond Monteith echoed fears expressed in Mayo earlier this year that games could be called off due to a lack of referees.

“If this is not given more urgency within clubs, then the day is not far away when wholesale postponements will be upon us and our Association will suffer,” he wrote.

“We have consistently asked clubs to provide a referee to officiate at 10 games a year. If all clubs took this on board, there would be no crisis to fear.” 

Cork’s referees administrator Jim McEvoy admitted that while football’s new rules have helped referees, “issues persist at the hurling sidelines, and we hope developments on these matters will be discussed at Congress (proposed 30-metre advancement for dissent).

“Unfortunately, outside interference targeting officials, including umpires, remains a concern. Clubs continue to protect those responsible; they must be held accountable for their members’ actions and so-called supporters. I seldom hear of a club suspending individuals."

McEvoy added: “It is every club’s duty to provide qualified referees and umpires. This remains inadequate in our county, and action needs to be taken. Many clubs still lack a referee and it’s disappointing that some of our senior clubs who field four adult teams do not provide a referee.” 

Earlier this year, Dublin and Louth also aired their recruitment difficulties and Antrim articulated their own problems at their annual convention earlier this week.

“The recruitment of the new referees over the past three years has been problematic,” acknowledged Antrim’s CCC referees representative Brendan Toland. “While 45 attendees took the course in that period, fewer than 30% of those are still actively refereeing.

“We need to continue to attract additional referees each year in order to ensure coverage at all games. There is currently an over-reliance on a small number of referees, many of whom are over 50.

“Undoubtedly, the main reason why more people are not coming forward is the level of abuse that is currently directed at referees. In the 2025 season, almost 30% of disciplinary notices issued by CCC involved abusive conduct (verbal or physical). This illustrates the scale of the problem.

“In addition to the on-the-pitch abuse, the growing online abuse of referees via social media is also a significant deterrent to recruitment. CCC have attempted to address the issue of abusive behaviour towards referees, but this is a wider issue that needs to be addressed at the highest level.” 

Similar to Wexford secretary Aoife Parle’s concerns about “unacceptable” and “intolerable” behaviour on sidelines towards referee, Kilkenny secretary Seamus Reade spoke of verbal abuse being aimed at match officials. In 2025, there were 12 cases of verbal abuse of referees in the county.

He continued: “We currently have just 40 active referees with 25% of our clubs not providing any to this list. In addition, 20 clubs are providing just one.

“The age profile of referees continues to be a concern, and I appeal to clubs to redouble their efforts in asking suitable people to join the ranks.”